Ciel 2 Delivered to ILS for December Launch

[Satellite Today 11-12-08] The Ciel 2 satellite has been delivered to the Baïkonour Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan and is ready for its scheduled launch, prime contractor Thales Alenia Space announced Nov. 12.
The spacecraft, which will be launched by International Launch Services Dec. 10, is set to provide services to the continental United States and Canada from 129 degrees West. Based on the Thales Alenia Space Spacebus 4000 C4, Ciel 2 is fitted with 32 Ku-band transponders configured into regional and spot beams.
Ciel 2 is the sixth satellite ordered by the extended SES family of companies from Thales Alenia Space. It will be the 16th launch for Thales Alenia Space-built spacecraft since the beginning of 2008.